It's a beautiful spot for swimming, or to launch your kayak from. Great for picnics and it's very…read moreeasy to access and handicap accessible. The con is the putrid smell from the unclean restrooms and the garbage is overflowing. I went up several times with my grandchildren and truly it was not kept up. Such a shame as it is a popular tourist and local destination.

Good place to visit!…read more Duke Energy worked with the city/state/County? to build this beach/Park. Nice parking spots on both sides of the road. Bathrooms located up in the parking area. A nice ramp down all the way to the water. Seriously, you could wheel a wheelchair all the way into the lake. The sand is very nice. And you can easily swim out to and hold onto the barriers. There's a dock off to one side where you can fish off of. We'll thought out and done pretty well. They even have donated life jackets for kids hanging here at the beach! My reasons for 4 instead of 5 stars: Dogs. The path down to the beach was littered with dog poop. On the path, on the side, everywhere! It was gross and unsanitary. Don't know if dogs are allowed on the beach, but they've turned the park area to crap. The beach is quite small. I do believe too small to support all the parking. The beach is very steep. I know it's the mountains, but if you're going to drain the lake and make a beach, a gentler slope to the beach for the little ones would've been preferable. A larger swim area. Some people just want to swim! Maybe another 10 feet out into the lake for swimming, not just waking.

Beautiful area to walk and enjoy the scenery. We came with my grandma, who cannot walk long…read moredistances. She has a wheelchair and I was happy to see the paths around us were all paved, so we were able to push her along them easily. We didn't venture onto any paths with elevation; the main path we chose followed the river and there were lots of areas to walk down to get a close up view or even wade if inclined. The path was shady also which was nice. I loved seeing the waterfall by the river right by the parking lot. This was a great time and I'd definitely return to explore some more paths or take a longer trek.

This was by far one of the best hikes we've done in the area. A quick drive from Mineral Bluff and…read moreunlike many of the hikes we've done in this area the drive up to the parking area was easy and able to be accessed in any vehicle. The hike was a bit challenging in some areas but truly worth every step!

The World's Fair Park in downtown Knoxville is a historic and active public space built for the…read more1982 World's Fair. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Sunsphere, a 266-foot gold-domed observation tower, and the Tennessee Amphitheater. Today, the park serves as a hub for major festivals, community gatherings, and recreation. Very welcoming space, lots to enjoy, always busy! The sphere is a focal point, when you go through Knoxville on I-40.

The historic World's Fair Park in Knoxville is lovely in the Spring. Dogwoods and other flowering…read moretrees were in bloom during my visit. The Park was at the center of the 1982 World's Fair. Today, the park is a beautiful green space for residents and visitors. The Sunsphere and the Amphitheater are the only remaining structures from the World's Fair in the park. The Sunsphere is opened to visitors. The Amphitheater was shuttered for the winter and in need of a facelift. Several interesting architectural features (posts and statue) are located throughout the park. A colorful bridge passes over the park and waterway. The Park is filled with accessible walkways, a water feature/fountain. A rail trail passes through the park for walkers and runners. We found free parking at the south side of the park. I did not see restroom facilities. Dogs on leases are allowed everywhere except in the fountain area.

Stunning. The Great…read moreSmoky Mountains National Park officially ties with Yosemite as my two favorite national parks in the US. I love everything about this beautiful area of our country. We were there in early spring and enjoyed stunning weather, blooming wild flowers, and bear sightings a-plenty. We also were there when the dogwoods were blooming and there are dogwood trees throughout the park--it was stunning. We enjoyed driving around the park, hiking, and stopping at various points of interest. We were also able to take an accessible hike up a paved trail to the highest point in the park, which was amazing. My eyes seriously just could not get enough of all the gorgeous nature to be enjoyed here. Top notch. Get to it!

Great Smoky Mountain National Park has been on my bucket list for many years. I was hoping that…read morespring break would be down season at the Park, but the Park was busy!!! We had a fabulous visit to this vast natural wonder. We learned that Park is the largest natural habitat in the continental U.S. The signature "smoky" appearance of the mountains is caused by an evaporation of organic rich moisture released by the vegetation within the Park. We started our visit by stopping at the visitors center to pick up a parking permit ($5/day) and maps ($1). I was glad we picked up maps because there is very little internet connectivity in the park, so we lost our navigation tools. The leaves were not on the trees yet (April) so we had magnificent uninterrupted views of the mountains and skylines. Spring wild flowers were in bloom. And we actually saw a mother bear with two cubs crossing the road. Each day during our visit we explored a different part of the park. We hiked to waterfalls and enjoyed scenic overlooks. We enjoyed exploring historic cabins and cemeteries. Popular sites were crowded and sometimes we had to wait for parking. Plan to arrive early. The park is filled with parking areas to pull off and enjoy the views or hike. Rest areas are available at many of the major sites. Leased dogs are only allowed in camping and parking areas and on two of the many trails. Bring good walking shoes, a hiking stick is helpful, water and sun glasses. You probably need to bring snacks, but keep those secure from wildlife.

This is a beautiful and very clean rest stop. No overnight parking, but a great place to stretch…read moreyour legs.

Very nice park with a pool, ball fields etc. Well maintained and a nice spot to visitread more

Another hidden gem in Pisgah National Forest is this place. To enter, you need to go through the…read moregated entrance which is currently unmanned until the tourist season begins which I believe is coming up soon. Then it will be $5 per person, not car. It was nice watching people enjoy the water.

This site definitely did not disappoint! We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon with the family. I was…read moresurprised that my granddaughters were not afraid to go down the rock slide. I was the family photographer. I certainly had lots to photograph! There was ever a great rock to lean against for taking pictures. My suggestion is that you bring along a change of clothes, wet shoes, snacks, a camera, sunscreen and life jackets for the little ones. I forgot my wet shoes and my son forgot a change of clothes. There is a rest room where you can change clothes. There are also lifeguards until 5 PM. They stayed open after 5, but did not charge admission. When we return we will go later in the afternoon. The lines are shorter and after 5 you don't have to pay the $5 per person admission charge. I definitely will return when we visit the area again. We enjoyed a great time!

We love Anakeesta, especially in the fall during their Bear Variam Festival (highly recommend you…read moreget a beer tour passport if you are a beer/cider drinker). We've gone two years in a row (2024 and 2025) and even between the years it seems that there is more to offer. Plan to be there all day, especially if you have small children. There is so much for them to do, climb, and explore which is nice so you can enjoy your drink while they play. All the kids areas are secure too so you won't lose them or worry about them falling down the mountain. Our kids LOVE the slide and birdhouse climbing area. There's a stage for live entertainment close by which we really enjoyed. Lots of food options all over however we really enjoy the lookout mountain restaurant and you have to get ice cream for dessert afterwards. Transportation up the mountain is either by their Ridge Rambler (open bus with no windows so dress accordingly) or the skyline with both open and closed cars (runs really slowly and usually a LONG line). I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance because even though that option is available, many do not opt for it and would rather stand in a VERY LONG line to purchase tickets and then get in line for the skyline. If you purchase in advance and opt to ride the bus like we do, wait time is very minimal and you can bypass most of the line which is a huge plus. (also, the waiting area is by 2 private restrooms in case you need to go before boarding). Even though it's busy, everything is so spread out that it's not crowded which is super nice. Plan to take a backpack to carry items as you will stay on the mountain and it's not easy to go back and forth to the car (could but will take time), plus, it's nice to have in case it's chilly and hot later so you can store clothing layers. Currently, Anakeesta is closed until March for remodels and they've shared ideas and things to come which all look like great additions. We can't wait to go again this fall 2026 to enjoy all the new amenities. Highly recommend for all ages!

Cool place. 50% of it isn't open this spring... no ski lift. No zip lining. Sky trek is half…read moreclosed. LOTS of stairs. Seriously LOTS. If mobility is limited, keep this in mind. Cool play areas for kids. Several dining options. Gem mining. Mountain coasters. Mountain coasters line is usually 20min longer than they say it is. Waiter will charge you $4 unexpectedly for a to-go cup for your drink. Feels like the kind of place where you end up being nickel and dimed. Wanted to love it but it's just ok.

Have been coming here for the past several years. We have a boat docked here year-round to enjoy…read more The lovely Lake Chatuge is settled between two states and the two towns of Hiawassee, Georgia and Hayesville, North Carolina. "This pristine lake has 132 miles of shoreline and is ideal for fishing, swimming, boating and camping. A part of the Nantahala National Forest in Clay County, North Carolina, it is one of the most scenic lakes in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) water system. This pristine lake, exquisitely nestled between the Tusquitee Mountains. Visitors enjoy casual walks along the dam with its spectacular view of the lake and surrounding mountains. The lake has numerous outcrops of land forming numerous private coves that are for great fishing, swimming, boating, and water sports. The fishing is great with more than 32 species in the lake."

What a clean Nice park with beautiful views and a great swimming area! I loved this area so much I…read moream buying a cabin in the area..

What a beautiful trail! There's plenty of free parking and it's open until 10 pm. Lake Chatuge…read morestraddles North Carolina and Georgia. You can catch glimpses of it from the Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation area (if you feel like hiking or mountain biking) but the beauty is near the dam. Built in 1941 and named after a Cherokee settlement, Chatuge Dam is 150 feet high and stretches 3,336 feet across the Hiwassee River. The Nantahala National Forest surrounds the dam and NC section of the reservoir, the Chattahoochee National Forest surrounds the GA section. Chatuge Dam Trail is 1.5 miles, paved and open to walkers, hikers, bikers and runners. It's ADA accessible, perfect for those with mobility issues and babies in strollers. The trail leads through the woods (where I didn't venture) and to two nearby campsites. The breathtaking views are stunning! Lake Chatuge reflects the sun so it looks different in the morning and in the evening. You're surrounded by some of the tallest mountains in Georgia, which are sometimes backlit with hues of purple. The colorful autumn leaves and the stillness of the lake really bring a sense of calm. There were families, couples strolling hand in hand, kids on bikes and seniors. The trail can be accessed from Chatuge Dam Road or Clay County Park which offers bathrooms, fishing access, a playground, ballpark, pavilions, camping & a small sandy beach with a swimming area. Pets on a leash are welcome! Chatuge Dam Trail is definitely worth a trip!

Great trail, plenty of people walk it without it seeming too crowded. However my only issue is that…read moreit's pavement or cement most of the trail with very little shoulder so it's difficult for people who have knee and back problems to walk for any length of time on it. I suffer from neuropathy and so I have to be careful and stick to the grass and ground beside the pavement whenever I can. One good thing about the trail though is that if you were to fall or injure yourself that it wouldn't be difficult for someone to reach you or emergency services to make it to you. The only other thing that would really help out is adding more benches periodically throughout the trail. There are a couple but not very many. Otherwise it's a good trail and it has a nice breeze especially when you're on the dam part of it.